Rose-like blooms from a buttercup relative
For eye-catching blooms from spring to early summer, invest in some Ranunculus. Their lush, divided foliage provides the perfect backdrop to the tightly packed, many-petalled flowers in a huge range of colours and shapes, as our main picture of Eden Brother’s Long Lasting Mix shows.
Use them in broad swathes in beds and borders, or planted in patio containers. The flowers are great for florists, as they have a very long vase life. Ranunculus are flowering perennial plants in the buttercup family, native to southern Europe and southwestern Asia.
Ranunculus are grown from a bulb (also called a corm or tuber), which looks like a claw. Here, the plant stores everything it needs to survive winter. Some people develop an allergic reaction to the plant and it is harmful to pets.
When to plant Ranunculus
Ranunculus does best in regions with mild winters and long, cool springs, where you can plant in autumn. You can also plant directly into the garden from March to late April for blooms in May or June.
In colder winters, plant in late winter/early spring, once the threat of hard frost is over or start tubers indoors, and plant outside when the soil is workable. Eden Brothers have a comprehensive guide on caring for your plants.
Planting and looking after your bulbs
Soak bulbs in lukewarm water for a few hours before planting but don’t oversoak. Mix well-rotted manure or compost into your soil. Plant bulbs 2-3” deep, ‘claw’ side down and 9” apart. Ranunculus like full sun, good drainage and shelter from winds. For containers, add grit to the pot and work some into good multipurpose compost.
Keep Ranunculus watered, but avoid waterlogging. Regular deadheading encourages more flowers. If frost is forecast, protect plants with fleece, or move pots under cover. In colder areas, lift bulbs after the foliage has died back in autumn. Ranunculus bulbs can be stored over winter in a cool, dry, place until you’re ready to replant in spring.
